Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. The name gotu kola originated from Sri Lanka and translates to “cup shaped leaf”, its Sanskrit name means ‘from Brahma’ (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 657). The herb is considered one of the esteemed rasayana herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. Rasayan herbs are seen as tonics, which are seen to rejuvenate and restore body, mind and spirit (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 657).

In South Asia the herb is traditionally use for a variety of chronic skin conditions (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 657).